Switching appliances off.

[Rachel Barratt]

I've been trying to switch appliances off instead of leaving on standby. However, my husband says that I'm not to switch the computer off as continual switching it off (computer is only not in use at night) will break it. I'm no expert but I think this is unlikely. Who is right?

[graci42]

I've turned mine off at the power bar (surge protector) a long time...hasn't hurt it yet.

Graci

[dndylfe]

My husband says this too for the computer. It's harder on the motor----more wear and tear in the long run.

[YankeeMom]

We shut ours down every night. The reason is two-fold. Partly to save on energy costs, and partly because for some reason when our computers (brand new in November 04 & Feb 05) go into sleep mode they don't want to 'wake up'.

We did the same thing with our previous computers and they are still working after 5 and 6 yrs respectively...which is practically ancient in computer years.

http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/Reports/39466/39466-4

Turn off computers at night and on weekends
One of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy is to turn off computers (PCs and monitors) when not needed, especially nights and on weekends. Sometimes computers are left on for legitimate reasons-for automatic backup or remote access, for example. However, many computers that could be shut off are left on by users who either mistakenly believe that shutting off their computer is harmful to the equipment or who simply forget to turn them off.

The belief that frequent shutdowns are harmful persists from the days when hard disks did not automatically park their heads when shut off; frequent on-off cycling could damage such hard disks. Conventional wisdom, however, has not kept pace with the rapid technological change in the computer industry. Modern hard disks are not significantly affected by frequent shut-downs. Shutting down computers at night and on weekends saves significant energy without affecting the performance, and may increase (rather than decrease) the operating lifetime of the equipment.

In cases where the computer is deliberately left on for network services or remote access, the monitor can be safely shut off without interfering with those activities. Since the monitor can consume two or three times as much electricity as the PC, turning off monitors is a big step in achieving significant energy savings.

Misinformation and bad energy habits are major stumbling blocks to achieving these energy savings. Computer users need to be informed about the real effects of shutting down their computers. Appendix B provides some resources for educating computer users about the benefits of shutting off their equipment at night and on weekends.

http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/c...q.php#isittrue

Is it true that turning off my computer is bad for its hardware?
No. Studies conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have found that hard disks are not affected by frequent shutdowns. In fact, your hardware may actually last longer due to reduced heat stress and mechanical wear.

Don't computers use a minimal amount of energy when they're idling?
Unfortunately, this isn't true. Computers use about the same amount of power when they're idling as when they are being used actively. That's about 45 watts for your CPU and 80 watts for your CRT monitor. The CPU draws only slightly more energy when under heavy use, such as when you open an application. Energy management puts you computer and/or monitor into a low-power sleep when they are not being actively used. In this mode, your computer and monitor consume less than 15 watts!

Doesn't my screensaver save energy?
Screensavers do not save energy and may even prevent your system from going into a low-power sleep mode when not in use. Screensavers were developed in order to lengthen the life of monochrome monitors. Technological developments have made them obsolete: they certainly don't save energy or the environment! Disable your screensaver today and replace it with our energy management software.

Here's another good article on the pros & cons for both leaving the computer on and turning it off
http://www.help2go.com/article92.html

[SHOPGIRL]

I leave my computer on when I'm home, but I always shut if off at night. Sometimes, if I remember, when I'm running errands, I shut off the monitor. I only turn the printer on when it is in use.

[momof42003]

My BIL insists that only the monitor is to ever be shut off... I can now email them this and they can choose what to do... They were at his moms house, and there, if you are not on the computer or if SETI is not on, then the computer is off no questions... SIL turned only the monitor off and when MIL went to "turn it on" she shut it off.... She then stated "I don't do that with MY computer, that is why they are called PERSONAL computers." Boy did SIL get a look...... THey are just so set in their ways... AAAARRRGGG!!!! I have been going around and around about the whole pros and cons of shutting the computer off..... I never win.......

[sanderson76]

My DH says that it will not hurt a computer to be turned off when you are finished using it. I trust his judgement since that is his job per say.

[Rachel Barratt]

Thanks everyone. I've printed off your replies for my husband to see. I will be turning off the computer when not in use.

[schellie69]

I leave mine on during the day with my self dh and 4 kids it is better just to leave it on i turn it off a night asked best friends husband about it, he owns a computer shop he said that if its going to be used during the day just leave it one uses more enegry restarting it all the time then just leaving it on and turning it off at night will also help it last longer, this is what i do, mine has an engery saver on it so when not in use it powers down, so does the moniter.

[Darlene]

I used to argue about this with dh but he insists on it being turned off when someone is not sitting at it so that's what we do.
Easier for me to turn it off & on than listen to him go on & on about it plus it is saving electricity.

[Mamaw]

I turn it off. I like it to go through the "handshake" when it turns on again in order to find any issues that may be occurring.